Jakarta. Batam in the Riau Islands is set to host the second Barelang Bridge International Marathon on Sunday (10/12).

The cross-border event, which is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, is aimed at attracting more foreign tourist to the region.

Runners from Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Kenya, Germany and the United States have confirmed their participation in the marathon.

The event will consist of a 42-kilometer, 21-km and 10-km race along the Barelang Bridge, a chain of four bridges connecting the islands of Batam, Tonton, Nipah, Setokok and Rempang.

Unlike many other running events where runners usually face endless views of concrete and roads, participants in the Barelang Marathon will be treated with the pleasant vistas of Batam.

The Barelang Bridge International Marathon is expected to respark an interest among local people in physical exercise – especially running – and further Batam's ambition of becoming a global sports tourism destination.

Its location gives it great potential and an advantage in attracting tourists from across the globe. The marathon's success may eventually pave the way for bigger and better events in future.